A new national initiative, which aims to increase urban green space by 20% by 2020, launched today on the same day as a newly released report showing concerns that our urban green spaces are under threat.

The 202020 Vision – a unique collaboration between government, academic and private-sectors – held an official launch of the initiative in a future urban green space, The Goods Line, in Sydney.

The Goods Line site.

The Goods Line, a Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority project to rejuvenate the disused rail line, will provide pedestrian access from Broadway to Darling Harbour along a promenade of new urban spaces, restaurants and cafes.

202020 Vision aims to increase urban green space, and therefore improve our environment, productivity and societal benefits, which could not be more timely; over 93% of professionals from related industries said that the continued decrease in urban green space is of concern for all Australians, but particularly for those working in government, construction and development, horticulture and related academic sectors.

The study – the first of a series into industry attitudes towards urban green space – also found that an overwhelming majority (96%) agreed that Australia needs inter-industry collaboration to encourage an increase in green space if we are to avoid the continued negative impacts from green space decline.

These include a range of negative environmental, societal and community outcomes such as an increase in pollution, poor air quality, increased utility costs, inefficient water management, decreased commercial productivity and a lack of cohesive community spaces.

“Urban heat islands, poor air quality, lack of enjoyable urban community areas are all poor outcomes when green spaces aren’t incorporated into new developments and large scale building projects.”

The 202020 Vision is a growing collaboration of over 20 advocates who are leaders within their fields, 50 partner organisations committed to the vision and at this stage has listed nearly 40 projects throughout Australia that exemplify the aspirations and goals of the initiative.

Sacha Coles – ASPECT Studios

In attendance at the launch were key government, commercial development, horticulture and academic leaders within the urban green space sector who heard from: Josh Byrne, Environmental Scientist; Sacha Coles, Director of ASPECT Studio and Landscape Architect for The Goods Line; Dr Samantha Sharpe, Research Principal for the Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS; Dr Sara Wilkinson, Associate Professor, School of the Built Environment, UTS; Warwick Johnson, Director of Operations for Brookfield Multiplex and Robert Prince, CEO for NGIA.

“There is huge pressure being applied to our existing urban green space due to increased density and the demands of a growing population,” said Sacha Coles, Director, ASPECT Studios and Advocate for the 202020 Vision.

“We need to act now to increase opportunities for urban nature to thrive and improve our liveability, health and wellbeing.”

The 202020 Vision will continue to grow and expand upon its network and supportive research – to learn more go to 202020Vision.com.au.

Our cities need more plants and trees. They are good for our health and productivity, keep cities cool and reduce pollution. People even heal faster when they’re around them. Yet so often, plants and trees are overlooked when plans are drawn and concrete poured. The 202020 Vision is a national initiative to change this, by increasing our urban green space by 20%
by 2020.

Our mission is to:
Map and showcase Australia’s most innovative and inspiring urban green spaces
Profile the individuals and organisations leading the way to green our cities
Quantify the value and positive impacts of urban green space
Use these to inspire governments, developers and communities to increase the green space in their cities
Keep inspiring, keep improving so that we can all enjoy 20% more green spaces in our cities by 2020

Being involved in the 202020 Vision is entirely free as it is funded by the nursery industry levy.

Learn more about the 202020vision and register your projects at http://202020vision.com.au/, or contact hello@202020vision.com.au to become a partner.